Harrington Park, New Jersey (December 8, 2016) – The Low Impact Hydropower Institute has received a complete application for a new term of Low Impact Certification for the Newfound Hydroelectric project. The application materials can be found HERE.

The Newfound Hydroelectric project is located in downtown Bristol, New Hampshire approximately 800 feet downstream from the crossing of Water Street over the Newfound River. The facility is operated as a fully automated run of river project. At times of non-generation, the project is licensed to release an outflow equal to an instantaneous minimum of 5 cfs. When inflows fall below 5 cfs, inflow is equal to outflow. The licensee is responsible for maintaining a continuous minimum flow of 5 cubic feet per second or the inflow to the project’s diversion weir, whichever is less, for the protection and enhancement of aquatic resources in the river. The Newfound Project discharges into the Pemigewasset River, seven miles above its confluence with the Winnipesaukee River. Historical river flows in the Pemigewasset River within the project area are 151 cfs.

LIHI is seeking public comment on this application. Specifically, we are interested in knowing whether you think the Newfound project meets the LIHI Low Impact Certification Criteria, as revised in the 2nd Edition Handbook released in March 2016. Please review the program and criteria in LIHI’s revised Handbook and then review the Project’s 2016 application materials posted on the project page.

Comments that are directly tied to specific LIHI criteria (flows, water quality, fish passage, etc.) will be most helpful, but all comments will be considered. Comments may be submitted to the Institute by e-mail at comments@lowimpacthydro.org with “Newfound Project Comments” in the subject line, or by mail addressed to the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, PO Box 194, Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640. Comments must be received at the Institute on or before 5 pm Eastern time on February 8, 2017 to be considered. All comments will be posted to the web site and the applicant will have an opportunity to respond. Any response will also be posted.